Kelowna's Flood Project: Trees Cut, Replanting Promised

0:00In Kelowna, British Columbia, the city has removed dozens of mature trees along Mill Creek as part of a $9.1 million flood protection. Project linked to the Parkinson Recreation Center. Officials say this clears the way for improved channel work to prevent future flooding in the area. The removal's target trees that are either invasive species, not native to the region, or blocking the planned upgrades. Crews timed the work for now to avoid disturbing migratory birds before they return in nest, with all necessary permits in place. Nearby residents fill the lost deeply, pointing to the sudden bare landscape and disruption to local wildlife habitats that have thrived therefore. Over a decade, somewhere especially upset seeing animals like raccoons in the trees, just before cutting began. Looking ahead, the city promises a major re-planning effort, including 800 new trees, plus about 6,000 shrubs and plants to restore the green space. The aim to bring in larger specimens to speed up recovery.

1:01While the chain saws have stopped for now, locals continue debating the balance between flood safety and the natural environment that wants to find the spot. From your city, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today. I'm Corey with the story.